When Should I See an Orthopedic Doctor for My Shoulder, Knee, and Hip Care?

Seeing an orthopedic doctor early can stop small problems from becoming big ones. Clinics like Advanced Bone & Joint offer a wide range of services, including surgery and physical therapy.

You should see an orthopedic doctor if you have joint pain or trouble moving. Orthopedic doctors are experts in treating issues with bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are highly trained to handle complex joint problems, especially in areas like the shoulder, knee, and hip.

In this blog, we will cover the following:

• When to See an Orthopedic Doctor: Visit a doctor if you have joint pain, daily activity struggles, or sleep issues due to pain.
• Treatment Options: Care ranges from physical therapy to advanced surgeries.
• Recovery and Prevention: Early care and personalized plans improve recovery and joint health.

How Do I Know When to See an Orthopedic Doctor?

These are clear signs that it is time to visit an orthopedic specialist:

Persistent Pain in Joints

If you have pain in your shoulder, knee, or hip that lasts more than a few weeks, it is important to see a doctor. This kind of pain often points to an underlying issue that needs proper care.

Difficulty with Everyday Activities

Struggling with tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects is another reason to seek help. These challenges can affect your daily life and work.

Pain That Disrupts Sleep or Routine

Pain that keeps you awake at night or stops you from doing normal activities is a serious concern. Swelling, stiffness, or limited movement in the joint are also signs of inflammation or damage that need attention.

Why Should I See an Orthopedic Doctor?

Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating a wide range of injuries and conditions. Here is what they can help with:

Common Injuries

Orthopedic doctors treat injuries like rotator cuff tears (shoulder), meniscus tears (knee), and hip labrum injuries. Per the Cleveland Clinic, these often happen due to sports, accidents, or wear and tear over time.

Chronic Conditions

Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis cause ongoing pain and limit movement. Orthopedic specialists provide treatments that address both the pain and the root cause.

Advanced Treatment Options

Orthopedic care includes:

• Joint injections for pain relief
• Minimally invasive surgeries for quicker recovery
• Total joint replacement for severe arthritis

Clinics like Advanced Bone & Joint offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments. We also include physical therapy in our plans, ensuring patients get complete care.

What is the Most Common Orthopedic Problem?

Osteoarthritis is the top reason people see orthopedic doctors, especially for knee and hip pain. It happens when cartilage breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Age and activity level often play a role.

Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder are frequent concerns, too. These cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the shoulder.

In addition, the knee endures a lot of stress, leading to issues like strains or ligament tears. This is especially true when aging or engaging in sports activities.

Mild cases can be treated with braces, medication, or physical therapy. For severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be needed.

Can I See an Orthopedic Doctor Without a Referral?

In most cases, you can book an appointment directly with an orthopedic doctor. This allows for quicker care for joint issues.

Check Your Insurance

Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary doctor. It is a good idea to check your coverage to avoid extra costs.

Insurance Help

Advanced Bone & Joint accepts many insurance plans. We also assist with verifying coverage and explaining costs, making the process easier for patients.

Shoulder, Knee, and Hip: When to Seek Care

Knowing when to see an orthopedic doctor can help address joint issues early and improve your quality of life.

Shoulder Care

Seek the best rotator cuff surgeon near you if you experience pain when lifting your arm overhead. Weakness in the shoulder or clicking sounds during movement also require attention.

These symptoms often indicate rotator cuff tears or other structural problems. A shoulder doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Knee Care

Visit a knee replacement surgeon if climbing stairs causes significant pain. Swelling around the knee joint or instability during walking needs evaluation. These symptoms may signal arthritis, ligament injuries, or meniscus tears.

Hip Care

Hip stiffness that limits movement warrants a visit to a hip replacement surgeon. Groin pain or difficulty standing after sitting indicates potential hip problems. These symptoms often develop gradually but require prompt attention to prevent worsening.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Orthopedic doctors use tools like the following to diagnose issues:

• X-rays to check bones
• MRIs to view soft tissues
• Physical exams to assess movement and strength

Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical options include:

• Physical therapy to build strength
• Joint injections for pain relief
• Medications
• Lifestyle changes to protect joints

According to the Mayo Clinic, if non-surgical methods do not work, surgery may be recommended. This includes minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, joint repair, or joint replacement.

Advanced Bone & Joint creates tailored treatment plans. This starts with non-surgical treatments and considers surgery only if necessary.

Seeing an Orthopedic Doctor in St. Peters, O’Fallon, & Wentzville, MO

You should see an orthopedic doctor if pain in your shoulder, knee, or hip affects your daily life. Joint problems that impact mobility or disrupt sleep require professional evaluation. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major problems that require extensive treatment.

Trust the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Bone & Joint for your joint care needs. Their expertise helps patients regain mobility and reduce pain through personalized care plans. Call our offices at (636) 241-9807 or submit an online appointment request form. Take the first step toward better joint health and improved quality of life today.

 

We look forward to serving you!